Auto/Motorcycle

Question

Was wolf #527 that was killed, the same wolf we watched in the Lamar Valley in August?

Answer 1

If you know you were watching Wolf 527, then yes, it was the same one. Otherwise, it's hard to say. Yellowstone is home to more than 100 wolves in 12 packs. Wolf 527 was an alpha female that helped form the park's Cottonwood Pack. Before she, her mate — the pack’s alpha male — and her daughter were shot this month, wolf 527 was wearing a radio collar that enabled researchers to track and study her and her pack.

You can read more about Wolf 527 here.

1 day ago

Answer 2

Capitol Reef, Waterpocket Fold, Land of the Sleeping Rainbow—all are colorful names to describe a park with many striking characteristics.

Waterpocket Fold, the main feature of the park, is the name of a 100-mile-long fold in the earth's surface. This uplift contains innumerable eroded basins or pockets that hold thousands of gallons of rainwater. These pockets of water have affected the history of humanity within the park and the flora and fauna of the region.

Entering the park from the west gives the most impressive view of the 1,000-foot-high stone barrier into which erosive forces have sculpted fascinating canyons, mesas, buttes and mazes. Once in the park, other astonishing panoramas await you.

Within a short distance of the visitor center, you will see Capitol Dome, Chimney Rock, the Goosenecks and the Egyptian Temple. Hickman Bridge, the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge reward you after easy to moderate hikes. Prehistoric petroglyphs, the Fruita Schoolhouse, the Gifford Farmhouse and the Behunin Cabin speak of bygone eras and can be reached by car. The 20-mile round-trip Scenic Drive will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center and many of the park's features.

If you are seeking a remote wilderness experience, Capitol Reef has it. To the north of Route 24, dirt roads, which generally require high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles, lead into the park's north end through the heart of Cathedral Valley, an area of monolithic formations of Entrada and Curtis sandstones, some of which are 500 feet high. South of Route 24, graded roads, usually suitable for high-clearance vehicles, lead into some very fine hiking country. Besides good hiking opportunities, the southern part of the park also offers spectacular views of the folded strata of Capitol Reef and the Henry Mountains. Muley Twist Canyon is in the southern end of the park, as is Brimhall Bridge. Check with a park ranger before setting out for any of these more remote locations. Weather conditions may make the roads slick and impassable.

2 days ago

Answer 3

September is toward the end of Yellowstone's season, and still a great time to go. It starts to get chilly that time of year, so bundle up! But what that also means is that all of Yellowstone's thermal features appear to be more steamy as warm air and water meet cool. Old Faithful will look fantastic!

On another note, one of my favorite drives in our country can be taken if you are heading North out of Yellowstone into Montana, Highway 212. It will take you East out of the park, though it sounds like you are heading West to Washington, I still think it is worth taking into consideration. So if you have time, the whole stretch from the North East Entrance up to route 90 is fantastic, windy, scenic, and has some interesting western towns. What else could you expect from a two lane road through Wyoming and Montana?

1 week ago

Answer 4

That's a tough question to answer. Bears, which are omnivorous, are not natural hibernators. If there's a sufficient food supply—berries, insects, nuts, carrion— they'll stay active all winter. Approximately 1,500 bears live in the park (approximately two per square mile) and they inhabit all elevations. That said, it's more likely that you'll see bears at this time of year because the lush foliage common during the summer has thinned substantially. That holds true for Elk, too, which generally stay within Cataloochee year round.

This summer was especially wet, and recent heavy rains should ensure that waterfalls are running strong… so don't forget your camera!

Safe travels!

1 week ago